As the 50th anniversary of the moon landing nears, United States leaders want to make a return trip “by any means necessary.” Apparently, these “means” may come at the expense of low-income youth and their futures. The Trump administration has proposed raiding billions of dollars from Pell Grant funds and giving this money instead to a new NASA moon mission.

Pell Grants help over 22 million students who may otherwise lack the financial ability pay for college annually. Such funds are not only important for these students; they are a vital investment in America’s future workforce. Yet these funds have been a frequent target of an administration that consistently shows reluctance to invest in domestic necessities like disaster relief and environmental cleanup. The administration sent a letter to Congress detailing the proposed cuts as a “necessary” reflection of priorities going forward. The take-away: America’s leadership seems more concerned with boasting about “return[ing] to Space in a BIG WAY!” than ensuring the American dream for millions of children.

Sign this petition to let those in charge of the purse-strings know that everyday citizens place more value on opportunity and education for all of America’s youth.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Chairman Yarmuth,

Why are America’s children continually paying the highest price for proposed budget cuts? An ill-conceived idea to slash funding for the Special Olympics had to be quickly refuted. Continued resistance to funding food and emergency relief programs hurts economically depressed children at a disproportionate rate. Now, certain factions of U.S. government want to deprive the most disadvantaged children of educational opportunity.

The possible give-away of billions of dollars in Pell Grant funds to yet another international space race will do harm. Proponents of these fund diversions claim that current Pell Grant beneficiaries will not be affected. What, though, of the millions of future enrollees who may be adversely impacted? This money could open unlimited avenues for tomorrow’s astronauts, teachers, medical professionals, and so much more. We should not encourage our children to reach for the stars in one breath while sending them crashing back to Earth with the next.

Education is worth the investment. America’s children are our investment in a better future.